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SAN DIEGO (Feb. 14, 2012) – Students from Bird Rock Elementary, along with volunteers from VA San Diego Healthcare System pose for a group photo by the entrance of the San Diego VA Medical Center. Nearly 70 elementary students visited Veterans patients and passed out Valentine’s Day cards as part of National Salute to Veteran Patients Week Feb. 12 – 18. Photo by Christopher Menzie.

Monday, February 20, 2012

The National Salute to Veteran Patients Week was a special occasion for Veterans at the San Diego VA Medical Center thanks to community support from a variety of visitors.

On Valentine’s Day, Nearly 70 4th grade students from Bird Rock Elementary School in La Jolla visited the medical center in the morning, passing out Valentine’s Day cards to Veterans on various floors and in the spinal cord injury clinic. The valentines were also donated by children from other local-area schools.

Three clowns also paid the hospital a visit, spreading their joy to our inpatients.

Later in the day, Ms. Armed Forces All American Patricia McKimmy and Ms. San Diego County All-American Brandy Kane visited the medical center to pass out cards and take pictures with Veterans.

On Friday, Veterans were treated to a special musical performance by Barbershop quartet singers.

It goes to show that while the visitors did not personally know the Veterans, they still appreciated the value of service this National Salute to Veteran Patients Week in San Diego.

The National Salute to Veteran Patients Program is celebrated on the week of Feb. 14 in an effort to pay tribute to and express appreciation for Veterans, increase community awareness of the VA Medical Center’s role and to encourage citizens to visit hospitalized Veterans and become involved as volunteers. National activities include special ward visits and valentine distributions; photo opportunities; school essay contests; special recreation activities and Veteran recognition programs. Veterans and their families are also treated to free musical concerts throughout a variety of VA medical centers nationwide. This year’s National Salute to Veteran Patients was held Feb. 12-18.